Senators seek swift action for release of 17 Pinoy seafarers taken by Houthi rebels

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24) — Lawmakers called on concerned government agencies to speed up efforts to free the 17 Filipino seafarers seized by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on Nov. 19.

The Houthis are said to be part of the so-called «axis of resistance» led by Iran, which had been mobilized to oppose Israel amid its war with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

READ: 17 Pinoy seafarers among crew taken hostage by Houthi rebels in Red Sea

In a statement on Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) must exhaust all means to secure the hostages' release.

«Kailangan mabilis ang pagtiyak sa kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino lalo na ang mga OFWs na nakikipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa para mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kanilang mga pamilya,» Villanueva said.

[Translation: We must quickly ensure the safety of every Filipino citizen, especially the OFWs who venture abroad to give their families a better life.]

READ: House calls for international community's help to rescue Pinoy seafarers

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros also urged the DFA and DMW to use all diplomatic channels available to bring the 17 Filipinos home.

«We call on the Department of Foreign Affairs to leverage its diplomatic relationships and engage with international partners to address this pressing issue,» she said.

«Umaasa ako na patuloy silang makikipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad upang makauwi ng ligtas ang ating mga kababayan,» she added.

[Translation: I expect them to continue coordinating with the authorities so our compatriots can return home safely.]

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said the government is «doing everything in [its] power» to ensure that the seafarers will be able to return home safely.